Expert: Clyde - 10/28/2008

Question
My husband is in intensive care for pneumonia.  
All family members know hs is an alcoholic. I have researched the internet and know that they are related.  One he leaves the hospital will his doctors address his alcoholism?

Answer
Mary,
    Thank you for your question.  Normally I would not answer this type question because it is out of my field of expertise but I feel led to make a suggestion.

    If your husband's doctor does not know about his use or abuse of alcohol (only your husband can say whether he is an alcoholic), I would suggest that you give him this piece of information so that he can better evaluate and diagnose any potential medical connections between the two.  It just may be the piece of information that gets him (your husband) through the intensive care stay.  Is this intervention?  No, but it is vital that doctors have as much patient information as possible.  Only then can the doctor know what he might do for further care outside the hospital setting.

    It would be your husband's choice whether to seek his doctor's advice and counsel on alcoholism.

   I hope this might help.

Grace and peace
Clyde